Mayor Bloomberg said more than 80 homes were destroyed by the overnight blaze that hundreds of firefighters struggled to contain on the western edge of the Rockaway peninsula.

Those who lost homes include Rep. Bob Turner, who praised first responders, vowed that the devastated community would be rebuilt, and said he was grateful he and his family were safe.

Most of Breezy, which has more than 3,000 year-round and summer homes, was evacuated before the fire broke out about 11 p.m. and raced through several streets while firefighters battled neck-high floodwaters to get to them.

“It looked like a forest fire out in the Midwest,” Mayor Bloomberg said.

"The winds were just devastating blowing from one building to the next one.

"We are hoping and praying that there was no loss of life in those fires."

Tom and Deidre Duffy combed through debris, looking for family mementos, after everything else was consumed by flames.

“There is nothing intact. It’s all melted,” said Tom Duffy, who had lived in his house for 24 years. “We never expected devastation like this.”

Homes that weren’t burned were flooded.

Madeline Conway, who lives on Beach 215th St., said the neighborhood was unlivable.

“Forty percent of the homes are obliterated and 80% are affected,” she said. “We don’t know what to do next. This is a major, major devastating loss.”

The opening to Breezy was under water and evacuees were trying to get back in to see if they were affected.

“All we could do last night was listen and get updates,” said T.J. Ryan, 29, who was trying to check on his Beach 215th St. home.